The 606 Preeceville Harvard Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron was presented the Top Air Cadet Squadron in a special ceremony.
Saskatchewan’s Provincial Military Liaison, MLA Greg Lawrence presented the Premier’s Commendation of Achievement certificate and pins to each cadets at the Preeceville Legion Hall on December 11.
“The cadet program is a wonderful opportunity for youth in Saskatchewan,” Lawrence said. “Young people in the province can take part in a variety of environmental, citizenship and community activities through the cadet program, helping them to learn life and work skills that will serve them well in the future. Development in areas such as physical fitness and effective teamwork through this program are particularly important in securing future success.
The cadets marched past and saluted Lawrence and other officials: Pete Garton, Air Cadet League representative; Captain Don Thomson, Zone Training Officer; Captain Troy Rogowski from the 606 Harvard squadron; Terry Dennis, MLA for Canora Pelly constituency; Ian Abbott, Nathan Karcha, Levi Young and Jordan Lowe, all staff members from the 606 Harvard squadron.
Mayor Garth Harris and town councillors were all in attendance as they showed their support for the cadet program.
"The commendation is a reflection of active participation in region activities by the cadets and its dedicated staff," said Captain Thomson. "It is a huge honour for a rural squadron to receive this honour. The Preeceville squadron has showed a 25 percent participation over a four-year span where the larger centres have only a 10 percent participation. The Preeceville squadron has a great support through its leaders, staff, support committee and community in general," said Thomson.
Pete Garton, Air Cadet Squadron League representative, also took the opportunity to present Blair Karcha of Sturgis with a 65-inch Smart television which was the second prize in the League’s car raffle. Sierra and Shaylyn Karcha accepted the prize on the behalf of their uncle.
Air cadets are open to youths between 12 and 18 years and there is no registration fee.
The purpose of cadets is to develop in youths the attributes of leadership and engage in active citizenship and physical fitness within an environment that stimulates an interest in the Canadian Forces, a release said.
The cadets are funded by the Department of National Defence, the Air Cadet League (a civilian non-profit organization), Navy League and the Army League. The motto of the air cadets is “Learn to Serve and Advance,” said Captain Troy Rogowski.
Cadets are given the opportunity to travel, go to Camp Sask Cadet and do a variety of monthly activities. They also play a part in the community with their attendance and participation in the annual Remembrance Day Service.
Cadet leaders are: Capt. Troy Rogowski, along with Ian Abbott, Levi Young and Nathan Karcha as civilian instructors and Dustin Hamilton and Jordan Lowe as volunteers.
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